Omaha daily bee., 1887-05-15
lmnrove the Parks.

As the summer days draw near people
OF all classes and conditions are moved
to think at times of the dscomforts in.
separable from the sweltering heat OF
July and August, and to reflect upon the
means of relief that may be at their com.
mand. To few the weather is not
disturbing one. Their lines are cast in
pleasant places, and not only is their
time at their own disposal, but they have
the means to CRAFTY whatever determi-
nation they may reach as to where and
how 1t shall be disposed Of, Such may
HE them to the sea shore. II that shall
seem best for social considerations or
any other reason; or they may betake
themselves to some northern Ike resort,
where the breeZes are cooler than at
the sea and the requirements of
fashion less exacting or they may
go into the mountains, and sequestered
there, away from the busy haunts of men
and the 'madding crowd" commune with
nature, finding gladness in the primeval
forest and the sweetest of music in the
ripping rill; or they may 60 to other
lands, and there at once escape the dis
comforts of life at home, and gain SO.
cial distinction for having been abroad "
But it is only a few who are thus hap
PLY situated. The very great majority
must remain at the post of duty, no mat
ter what may bctde. The wheels of
trade end industry can no more be stop
ped in July and August than they can in
December and January. They may re-
volve q little less vigorously, but they
must be kept going, That is necessary in
order that the prosperous may continue
in their prosperity and that
those who must labor shall
not even for little time lose the reward
OF their toll. 1t is this great majority,
this army of toilers that cannot stop the
daily round, whether the temperature be
the approach of the summer solsticc with
forcbodings of its inevitable discomforts
These are the people who after the weary
work Of the day in the close counting
room, the crowded store, and the ill-ven-
tilated shops, would find relief and re-
cuperatiOn in some out of door breathing
place where there were conveniences for
which nature has placed there. Where
shall they go9
Omaha will undoubtedly some day
have parks-perhaps several OF
them. At Atpresent there Is one, but it is
not a particularly inviting spot.
Many of those who 20 there
do so because there is nothing
better to attract them, and some sort Of
change of air they must have. 1t coulc
be made an exceedingly attractive
place, and ought to be. The expendi
ture necessary to accomplish this neeC
not be great, but whatever the sum de
voted to this purpose, there is hardly any
other way in which it could be more
judiciously employed for the genera
good. Hanscom park is being surrounded
by fine residences, it is easily accessible
its natural conditions need not be mucl
altered. But the art of the landscape
gardener could be utilized to moderat,
extent. Some grading could be done, tn,
existing walks could be improved ant
Others made, and there might be NOR,
liberal supply of seats, of course of iron
All this could be done at a REASONABLE
outlay, and would render the park wei
come resort for thousands. Jefferson
Square, also, should be improved. 1t i
only an eyesore now. and being one O
the features of the city which canno
be concealed from strangers, subjects u
to ridicuie. As central "breathin,
spot it should be put in condition t
meet that requirement. The man VIII
shall bring about these desirable i'm
provements will deserve to be regarde
as public benefactor.